Zam: Najib finished if only ‘sampah’ support him

The PM would drown in the sea of 'sampah' supporters if only such people are behind him to keep his job.

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin has clarified that he did not describe ALL those who support Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to keep his job as “sampah” (rubbish, garbage, refuse).

“That’s not true at all,” he said. “Journalistic protocol must be respected.”

If the ‘sampah’ are the only supporters Najib has, he reiterated, then he would drown in the sea of ‘sampah’ supporters.

He was commenting on criticisms leveled against him in the media and blogs since his statement on Najib’s “sampah” supporters.

“I did not include writers, professional journalists whether in the government-owned media or the social media or voluntary supporters of Najib in the ‘sampah’ category.”

However, he does have some queries when it comes to the media.

He asked:

• What are the criteria and journalistic ethics of the Chief Editors (in covering Najib)?
• Does professionalism no longer matter in drawing up guidelines?

Revisiting his ‘sampah’ category, he hastened to assure that those he meant were those the people would laugh at if they came forward and said that they were supporting Najib to keep his job. “These are people outside the world of journalism.”

He named the ‘sampah’ as ex-party members, those who had a record of committing financial abuses, or noted among the people as party hoppers, easily bought and no longer have any position or standing in society. “These are the people coming forward as the main supporters of Najib and being given space in the mainstream media and TV,” he said. “They are being given priority over Umno leaders and people who have integrity.”

He reiterated that the people are having a good laugh when they see discredited elements appearing on some mainstream media as the main supporters of Najib. “Isn’t this a violation of the journalistic profession which upholds being authoritative and reliable?”

He concedes that political parties cannot pick and choose their supporters and must welcome all. “But don’t play up the ‘sampah’ as the main supporters while ignoring others. Put the ‘sampah’ in their proper place.”

Zainuddin said that he would not be surprised if the TV ratings or circulation of newspapers drop because of the ‘sampah’ appearing in the media. “There’s nothing to prevent people from switching off their TV sets when they see the ‘sampah’ appearing before them.”